Yogyakarta — UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta took a leading role in advancing Indonesia’s halal ecosystem by hosting the Public Consultation on the Implementation of the Halal Product Assurance Act, organized by the Halal Product Assurance Organizing Agency (BPJPH) on Monday (Oct 27, 2025).

The strategic forum, held at the university’s Central Administration Building, gathered government leaders, scholars, and business actors to reinforce Indonesia’s position as a global halal hub.

UIN Sunan Kalijaga’s Rector, Prof. Noorhaidi Hasan, underscored the university’s unwavering commitment to advancing the national halal agenda.

“Our Halal Center and Halal Inspection Institution have consistently delivered measurable, impactful programs and received multiple recognitions for excellence. We’re building an ecosystem where academic rigor meets real-world application,” he affirmed.

Prof. Noorhaidi emphasized that UIN’s Halal Center has empowered MSMEs to comply with halal certification requirements through mentoring and laboratory-based verification. He added that UIN’s Faculty of Science and Technology plays a vital role through advanced research and testing facilities that support product standardization and innovation.

“We are accelerating the realization of Indonesia’s vision for comprehensive halal assurance. Collaboration through the pentahelix model — academia, government, industry, society, and media — is essential to achieving sustainable progress,” he concluded.

Meanwhile, BPJPH Secretary-General Muhammad Aqil Irham praised UIN Sunan Kalijaga as a vital partner in promoting the Halal Indonesia program and strengthening the country’s role in the global halal economy.

“Consumer behavior and global halal trends are evolving rapidly. Producers must adapt to remain competitive. This consultation helps ensure our regulations respond effectively to changing materials, methods, and global market dynamics,” Aqil explained.

Aqil also highlighted that under Law No. 23 of 2014, BPJPH originally operated under the Ministry of Religious Affairs. Its recent transformation into a non-ministerial body under the President marks a pivotal reform initiated by President Prabowo Subianto to strengthen halal governance and regulatory independence.

The public consultation featured three thematic clusters:

·         Cluster 1: MSME and business stakeholders discussing practical challenges in halal certification.

·         Cluster 2: Regulatory and supervisory aspects led by local government agencies and academic experts.

·         Cluster 3: Technical implementation, engaging halal auditors, inspection agencies, and certification bodies.

Through this structured dialogue, BPJPH and UIN Sunan Kalijaga aim to refine policy frameworks, align institutional coordination, and fortify Indonesia’s halal assurance as a model for inclusive, sustainable, and globally competitive economic growth.

As Prof. Noorhaidi reaffirmed,

“This is not just about regulation — it’s about protection, trust, and shared prosperity. UIN Sunan Kalijaga stands ready to ensure that Indonesia’s halal ecosystem becomes a source of global inspiration.”

(UIN Sunan Kalijaga Public Relations / humassk)